Fastest Way to Learn Spanish

What is the fastest way to learn Spanish? As a Spanish teacher, I hear this question a lot. And, for the beginner Spanish student, it’s a smart question to ask. Why spend two or three years of hard studying when you can achieve the same result in one and a half years or even ten months? The truth is that there are a number of techniques you can use to reduce your study time and advance the learning process. Lets look at some of them now.

Like most teachers, I believe that total immersion is the fastest way to learn Spanish. But immersion is not enough. The learner has to take a proactive approach to learning the language. Experiencing total language immersion passively is not enough. You still need to study if you want to speak the Spanish in the fastest time possible.

Which brings me to my first tip: Take the hard way.

Let me explain.

Most people find it quite easy to read Spanish and get the gist of what is being said. But speaking the language is a far different skill and much more difficult to develop.

One of the best ways to learn Spanish fast is through translation exercises. That means, you read things in English and translate them into Spanish. This is much more challenging than reading Spanish and trying to understand what it says. But it also a much more time-efficient way to study.

Another way you can build Spanish speaking skills fast is by writing. Write little stories or jot down your thoughts in Spanish. Again, this forces you to put Spanish words together in real, practical communication, simulating conversation.

In both cases make sure you have a teacher or tutor check and correct your work. Learning things incorrectly is not time efficient. And that is my next tip!

In the early stages of your studies, take a little extra time to learn things correctly. It is hard to change bad habits. Take a little time to pronounce words correctly the first time you learn them (with the help of your teacher of course).

Next tip: Use multiple learning tools.

It can get very boring using the same textbook month after month. Shake things up with different books, courses and software. It helps to see things and have them explained in a different way or context.

One tool I have been recommending to my students for over two years now is the Verbarrator. Another course that I know people have had success with is Synergy Spanish, which uses the Pareto Principle to speed learning. But there are tons of Spanish lessons and resources at your disposal.

Last tip: Study every day. Even if it is just for 5 minutes. It makes a big difference.